Have you heard the saying that laughter is good medicine? Well, it is true. We now have scientific evidence to back up that assertion. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, discovered that God was the source of laughter. “God has made laughter for me: everyone who hears will laugh with me” (Gen. 21:6).
Sarah’s laughter was prompted by the birth of her son Isaac. We understand the joy related to the birth of a child, but in Sarah’s case you need to know the rest of the story. The covenant God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-2) indicated that his descendants would be a great nation. There was one small issue that made this promise seem impossible. “Sarai was barren; she had no child” (Gen. 11:30). The repetition in that verse suggests that her barren condition was a terminal one. How could Abram be the father of a great nation with a barren wife?
At one point in Abraham’s faith pilgrimage three visitors, messengers from the Lord, assured Abraham that within the year Sarah would bear him a son. Overhearing the conversation, Sarah had laughed to herself as she pondered how a barren woman well past the age of childbearing could give birth to a son.
Her laughter of unbelief turned into a laughter of joyous celebration. Her laughter must have played a role in the naming of the child. The name Isaac means “laughter.” We serve a happy God who desires that His children experience life in abundance. God fulfills His every promise which causes us great happiness and laughter.
Prayer: You are a great and mighty God who is faithful to keep your promises. May I serve you in fullness of joy. Amen